Granderson and Cano have have decent historic records against Scherzer. Gardner, Swisher, A-Rod not so much. Among a bunch of small sample sizes, Chavez’s is the smallest – only three trips – but Scherzer’s never retired him. Raul a walk in three ABs. Nuney’s never seen him.

Gotta tell you I felt good seeing Gardner and Ichiro back to back. The combo didn’t produce, but I liked Gardner’s approach, and they still bring the potential for a ground game I think the team needs.

But I think the replacements had a better showing then many expected. Nunez had no errors and gave the Yanks a chance after his 9th inning at bat. Gardner, who only has a handful of at bats on the year, made Verlander work in a couple of his at bats and made a nice play in the field. (Swish would likely have seen 1/3 of the pitches Gardner saw and have the same end result).

Chavez had the error, but also made solid contact, but the balls still aren’t dropping in for him.

You can’t expect to have Ibanez catch lightning in a bottle every time out. I too was expecting to see ARod pinch hitting, but can’t say I fault Joe for going with the hot hand despite Ibanez woeful season against left-handers.

Let’s win 4 in a row! Whose with me?

Anyway, some housecleaning is coming—fair or not—that’s for sure. Swisher is gone (the Yankees will lowball him and let him take a 4-year deal from someone else), Kevin Long may be gone. It’s a tossup when it comes to Granderson.

But what does the FA marget look like?

He’s so streaky, and I can’t decide whether it’s avoidable or just something you have to accept when you sign up for his annual .300/30/100 seasons. I can’t remember another Yankee whose colds were so ice-cold and whose hots were such infernos.

Maybe Soriano? Though he was never as good a pure hitter, and his postseason flailings were probably due to running into quality pitching night after night.

And, while Andy is still on the active roster, basically at this point we’ve got to consider a post-Jeter/Mo/Andy team. So the next generation is Cano, Gardner and ? Hughes? Joba?

I still maintain that the offense (outside of the 9th inning) has GOT to wake up. Why not tonight?

anyway, it is still really hard to believe that the yankees offense is so bad right now. it’s also impressive that the pitching continues to be solid or better.
just a weird way to be going out.

Does anyone think they are pissed about the flirting incident? I mean Cashman as no moral position at all. I suppose G.I. Joe does, but without Mo, the team’s moral compass certainly points in a more socially liberal direction.

And where is the Captain? Playing or not, I expected some kind of statement or appearance or even a press release by now. Why the silence? He should be in the dugout on crutches.

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